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_ADVANCE AUSTRALIA._
A SETTLER'S
35 YEARS' EXPERIENCE
IN
VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA,
And how £6 8s. became £8,000.
WITH ADVICE TO SETTLERS, &c.
"Men are agents for the future,
As they work so ages win,
Either harvest of advancement,
Or the product of their sin."
_Inscribed by the kind permission of the
HONOURABLE ALFRED DEAKIN,
Chief Secretary of Victoria._
Melbourne:
M.L. Hutchinson, 305 & 307 Little Collins Street,
Nearly Opposite Royal Arcade.
Rae Bros., Printers, 547 and 549 Elizabeth Street North.
[Illustration: "Off for 200 Miles' Tramp."
See Page 10.]
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
Sketch of Artist Life 1
Farewell to Dear Old England 3
Melbourne at Last 6
Christian Socialism 7
Melbourne Experience 9
Off to the Diggings 10
Ten Years on the Diggings 12
Commence Farming 18
Increase of Holdings 25
The Consummation 26
A Dissertation on Temperance 28
The Vine Industry 31
The Settlement of the Lands 32
Irrigation 35
A Scheme of Settlement 37
A Glimpse at the Future of Australia 45
Conclusion 48
Poetry, "All the Way" 49
Introduction.
In giving this little "Life Sketch," I am actuated by a desire to
assist many, not only hard-handed men in the "Old Country," but many
soft-handed ones also, as I was, and especially those who have large
families, as I had, and who are struggling for a living, and see
but little hope for the future in the already over-crowded hive in
the "Old Land," and a still poorer prospect for the new swarms; I,
therefore, think a little advice and encouragement to those desirous to
"cast off," from one who has been through it all, will be welcomed by
many.--E.H.
Sketch of My Artist Life.
When living in the "Old Land," over 35 years since, I belonged to a
class of which there are many thousands--a struggling professor--and
of the class I have designated as "soft-handed." I was an artist by
profession; studied from a child; never did anything else; and in
1850 and 1851 had so far advanced in my profession to have the honor
of having my works hung in a creditable position on the walls of the
Royal Academy of Arts, of which I was also a student. I married rather
young (at 25), and soon had little ones running round. I started fairly
well in the neighborhood of London, at Clapham, adding teaching. Just
about this time (1847) artists were invited by the Government to
send in specimens of their works for exhibition in Westminster Hall,
for competition for the decoration of the new Houses of Parliament,
then just finished. I was rather too young and inexperienced an
artist for so great and honored an undertaking; however, I thought I
would venture. I got my large picture finished, but from over-study,
excitement, and anxiety, my health gave way. I contracted nervous
typhus fever, and consequently could not finish the other one, which
was required by the Commissioners to enable me to compete. But Sir
Chas. Eastlake, the President, whose letter I still have, said my
painting--under the section of "Scriptural Allegory," subject, "The
King of Kings and Lord of Lords"--though not entitled to compete,
could, if I liked, be hung in the vestibule of the hall; which was an
honor I gladly consented to.
On getting up from my long and dangerous illness, my medical advisers
persuaded me to go to a milder climate for perfect restoration, and
to give up my profession for a time; at least, to do but very little
painting. South Devonshire was recommended. We therefore left our
home at Clapham, and took up our residence about four miles from that
lovely spot, Torquay. To our residence was attached a small farm and
a splendid orchard. In this beautiful climate I soon regained my
strength. I did all sorts of labor on the farm, so that I got a general
insight into all sorts of farming work. This I have found exceedingly
useful since taking to farming in Australia.
I found many kind friends in Devonshire. (I cannot help naming the
Savile family. God bless them for their kind patronage and introduction
in my profession!) We resided in Devonshire about four years. We then
came again to London, but found a difficulty in looking up a connection
again; had to fill up my time in decorating in the various courts of
the Crystal Palace, at Sydenham, just then being erected. I, however,
saw but little prospect of advancing in my profession, or even making a
living, and less prospect for a large and increasing family; we having
by this time seven children, six boys and one baby girl; besides, I
had contracted a great taste for a rural life while in Devonshire. We
determined, therefore, to depart for Australia--the land of gold! The
goldfields being at that time in full swing. A wide field indeed for
enterprise, and anticipated prosperity, with God's blessing; for, I am
happy to say, I had long sought His grace and guidance, and committed
my ways unto Him, and was sure He would guide our steps.
In the first place, I applied to the Commissioners of Emigration
for a situation as schoolmaster for the voyage, on a Government
emigration ship; my wife to act as matron. I presented letters of
recommendation--one from the Bishop of London (Blomfield). I was well
known to him, as Fulham, near London, where he resided, was my native
place. The commissioners said my letters were more than enough, but
desired to know the number of children I had. On hearing the number
they informed me that they regretted to say that, according to their
regulations, this would be a bar to my appointment. Three, I think, was
the number allowed.
This was a great blow to us, as we should have saved our passage money,
and had a salary besides; I think about £150 as schoolmaster, and wife
as matron. Parties told me I could have managed it if I had liked, by
getting some of the passengers to take the other four children; but
this I could not do from principle. To pay our passage in a general
passage ship, therefore, exhausted all our little means.
Farewell to Dear Old England.
We did intend taking our passage in the new ship "Schomberg," just
launched, and owned by "The White Star Company." On enquiring at
the London office, they informed me that I could send our goods on
to Liverpool, but they would not be put on board any ship until our
passage money was paid, and that I should find them in the company's
warehouse in Liverpool; consequently, I sent the goods on. We could
not, however, get ready to go by the "Schomberg." On arriving at
Liverpool, and enquiring for our luggage, I found it had been sent on
in that vessel.
Now, the fate of that fine new ship, I presume, is generally known. The
captain had a bet with the captain of the ship "Kent," a well known
clipper, and declared "if he did not beat the 'Kent,' he would knock
her ('the Schomberg's') bows in." On hearing that the "Kent" had made
the passage before him, the "Schomberg" was wilfully run on shore, just
a little way from Cape Otway. Luckily, it was fair weather, and the
passengers and crew were taken safely off, but with only the luggage
they could carry in their hands; there being only just standing room
on board the rescuing steamboat. The "Schomberg" became a total wreck.
This, I suppose, is one of the most wicked and shameful incidents
that ever happened on the shores of Australia. We took our passage in
the next ship; the good ship "Sultana," from Liverpool, on the 21st
October, 1855.
I remember, as we weighed anchor, being some distance out in the
stream, and out of hearing of any friendly cheer, a serious calm
appeared to pervade the ship; all appeared absorbed with their own
thoughts, when we found the ship was under way, more by the apparent
moving of the receding shore; she being a sailing vessel. I don't know
the feelings of the other passengers; possibly many were like our own,
at departing from the good "Old Land." Hitherto, we had borne up well
in parting from kindred and friends. We said "Good-bye" in London; but
now, in those few calm moments, seated upon the ship's deck, with wife,
six sons, and a baby girl around us, we felt the necessity of faith
in that good Providence on Whom we had cast the future. Our feelings,
however, would have vent in a few hot tears, but these had to be
brushed quickly on one side.
I do not think it necessary in this little sketch to give a long
account of our voyage, or the various incidents that happened. There
was nothing very sensational; our worst experience was our first night
out. The ship was so crowded that there were not berths enough, and,
as we came late on board, ours had to be erected, so that we had to
huddle down between decks, the best we could. The children being
our great care, there was no rest for wife or self. We had fearful
weather in the Channel, and, everything being loose on board, the
din was fearful; the heavy iron cable on deck rolling from side to
side, and the ship's bell tolling at every roll of the ship, and the
carpenters working all night, fitting up berths, and the state of
the passengers--one can guess the confusion! And what added to it
more--just as we reached the most dangerous part of the Channel, off
the coast of Ireland, the tug-hawser parted, but, when pulled on board,
it evidently had been cut adrift with an axe--a most shameful act.
The contract was to take us clear of the Channel. This, then, made
further trouble, as all hands had now to set to and work the ship, and
there was great danger in working her out of the difficult position
she was left in, and anxiously did all wait for the morning. It may be
imagined that the whole of the voyage was no pleasure trip for wife or
self, in a crowded ship, and seven children (under 12 years of age)
to look after. Neither do I think the children liked it; they were
too young, and they did not thrive at all on the rough ship's fare,
particularly the hard ship's biscuits--they could not manage them at
all. After a time, though, we got on better; I had a carpenter's plane
with my goods, and we shaved the biscuits down on that, and made it
into puddings, and so managed to get rid of them in this way. The plane
went the round of the ship after this, particularly among the old
people. We had, however, on arriving at Melbourne, an American cask
full, unconsumed; these we took on shore with us, and they went fine in
soups, &c., with good Australian beef, at 3d. a pound.
Melbourne, at Last.
We were thankful to arrive safely, after a fine passage of 81 days.
We arrived off Cape Otway in the night, and stood "off and on" until
daylight, when the pilot came on board, and the first thing he told us
was the loss of the "Schomberg." Well, of course, we then knew also
that all our goods were at the bottom of the sea. We were thankful,
though, that we did not ship on board that ill-fated vessel; but ought
we to attribute her loss to _fate_? No! It was wilful wickedness. I
regretted our loss the more as my Westminster Hall picture was among
the things lost, as it was the highest class work I ever attempted.
It was with anxious eyes myself and several other heads of families
viewed the shore of the "promised land." It certainly (from the deck
of the vessel) did not look very prepossessing; not even with a good
glass, and more particularly as we went up the bay nearer to Melbourne.
It being the dry season--January--nothing looked green, and the dry
grass looked more like sand, and the trees looked stunted. It was a hot
wind and dust storm on the day we landed, and the place looked very
dreary; what few shops there were, were nearly closed to keep out the
dust. We were brought up the Yarra River to Melbourne from the ship by
steam tugs. Of course, most of us had on our "Old Country" clothes;
it was quite easy to know a "New Chum." I don't remember seeing a
belltopper hat, or a coat, being worn in Melbourne at that time, and
"New Chums" hated to be conspicuous, as they were always "Joed," that
they soon dropped their "Old Country" style, and took to jumpers and
straw, or slouched felt hats. The highest style, however, was the
cabbage-tree hat. I had carefully preserved a nearly new belltopper
hat through the voyage, but somehow had forgotten it in the bustle
of leaving. The last I saw of it, however, it was being kicked about
on the other lighter as a football, which I did not after regret.
There were several parties with large families on board. The head of
one, who had been on shore to look round for a few hours, and had
been a schoolmaster, took charge of the women and children (about 30
children), and conducted them to a place he had seen--"the Wesleyan
Home"--about a mile and a quarter from the landing place, leaving
myself and the other males to look after the luggage, and follow on
with the drays. It was after dark when we arrived at the "home." It
was a pleasant sight to see the dear children sitting round the table
enjoying their tea and nice "soft tack" (bread, &c.), after roughing it
so long on board ship.
"The Wesleyan Emigrants' Home"--I believe it is still in existence;
it was a few years since--was a fine institution, and a great boon
to emigrants. It was a peaceful, christian home, and the only one, I
think, at that time. Hotels and restaurants were the resort of the
lowest characters, and hardly safe for anyone to enter; most people in
them went armed, and fearful scenes took place.
Christian Socialism.
The manager of the "home" had a book, in which he entered the names of
all who lodged there. He also entered your nationality and religion;
also denomination. When he put the last question to me, I answered, "A
Christian Brother." "Why," said he, "yours is the first entry I have
made in my book of such a sect." "Sect!" I replied, "I did not know it
was a sect at all." I hoped not, for I had adopted it in opposition to
sectarianism, of which I had seen so much evil in the "Old Country."
I therefore determined to drop "isms" in the sea, and, on arriving at
this new and good land, hoped to be known simply as a christian, and
"give the right hand of fellowship to all who loved the Lord Jesus
in sincerity and truth," irrespective of denominations. I regret,
however, that the old animosities have reached this new land. The old
bickerings and trifles, non-essentials, about "Apostolic Succession,"
"Dipping or Sprinkling," "Free-will," "Election," "Reprobation,"
&c., &c.--neglecting the more paramount matters, "Belief," and a
"consistent walk in life." But now, at this time (1891), I am glad to
see a growing desire for unity and christian socialism in Victoria,
and more particularly in the country districts; and I think they are
setting an example to the towns, where there is a sad want of unity
among the clergy, and christian socialism among the people. The
congregations even are divided into "sets," or, as the Yankee would
call them, "grades," who "stand off" from each other, and think it
quite condescending, in any way, to recognise the lower "set." The
visitations, also, of the clergy, are in very many cases confined to
the higher "grades." There are, though, a few grand exceptions. Now,
all this should be broken down if the church is ever to take its true
place in the world. We should rather begin at the bottom--with men of
low estate--for, hath not God chosen such? In my long life I have found
the best traits of character among the poor. Verily, many that we think
last shall stand first on _that day_. In my humble opinion, nothing
will tend to overthrow the sceptical and atheistical tendencies of the
age so much as christian fellowship and brotherhood; in fact, it is
the want of this, with the dissensions and bickerings of professors,
which create this scepticism; and this will continue until the world
can say of christians of to-day, as it was said of old, "See how these
christians love each other." "Dearly beloved brethren" will then not
only be upon the lips, but in the heart. I must, however, stop this
homilistical strain, and return to my narrative.
Melbourne Experience.
I stepped on shore in Melbourne, with my dear wife and seven children,
with the grand sum of _ten shillings_ in my pocket; but, with a stout
heart and willing hands, and a firm reliance on God's blessings,
things did not appear so very hard. We stayed two or three days at the
"Wesleyan home." On the second day after landing I got work, digging
potatoes at 14s. per day. We then rented a small two-roomed house in
Collingwood; had our boxes, at first, for furniture; but the grand
wages of fourteen shillings per day soon provided what other little
furniture we required. It appeared a poor home, though, after the style
of the "Old Country;" but it is astonishing how soon one gets over this
feeling, where love and happiness reign. I am not a believer in that
foolish saying, that "when want comes in at the door, love flies out of
the window." No; true hearts cling the tighter.
On looking round Melbourne, I found some few parties I knew in England.
They were very old settlers long before the discovery of gold; they
were in affluent circumstances. They kindly gave me a commission to
paint a few portraits in oils, which led to one or two more. I also
painted a few fancy pictures. The colony, however, was too young to
appreciate the _fine_ arts to any extent. The _rougher_ arts were more
in vogue, and the gold fever was not abated. I also got a touch of it,
my wife having two brothers on the Ovens diggings, who had been in the
colony about a year. I determined, therefore, to join them.
Off to the Diggings.
I started alone with swag, blankets, billy, pannikin, etc., in orthodox
style, for a 200 miles' tramp through the bush. (See frontispiece.)
This, however, was not much of an undertaking for me, as I was a great
pedestrian, could do my six miles an hour easy, and often over 50 miles
per day on my sketching tours in the "Old Country;" being tall (fully
six feet), I had a good stride. At that time the Sydney Road was only
formed a few miles out of Melbourne, and from the Rockey Waterholes to
the foot of the Big Hill (commonly then called Pretty Sally's Hill) was
swamp ground. I found a difficulty in getting over this; I had to tread
the thistles down for miles to prevent bogging, and it was raining
fast. The contractors were just forming the road, and on the first
rise on the other side of the swamp the camp was formed. The men had
knocked off on account of the rain. Just as I was level with the camp,
I heard my name called out in true Irish accent, and out ran one of our
shipmates to greet me. He occupied the next berth to us on board ship,
and was ill a great part of the way. He had been a tradesman in Dublin.
He was lively enough now, as he grasped my hand and cut a real Irish
caper, with "Hurrah! for Australia and 14s. a day, and wood and water!"
He was driving one of the contractor's drays. He wanted me to stay, as
it was far into the afternoon, but no--my alloted mileage was not done,
so I marched on.
My first night's "bushing" was a strange experience. Rolled up in
blankets, at the foot of a gum tree, I had not turned _down_ long (I
cannot say turned _in_) when I was conscious of something being upon my
shoulder, and, cautiously turning round, saw an animal perched quite
innocently there. It was an opossum. I presume he did not recognise
me from a log. He appeared quite content to sit there until I gave
him a cant, and sent him some distance off. This "camping out" is
not at all an unpleasant experience, as many might think, and this
was a splendid moonlight night. At that time it was far more safe to
keep clear of restaurants and shanties, as they were the resort of
the vilest characters. Neither was it safe to camp out alone with a
fire at night, as this was an attraction, and you were pretty sure to
get objectionable company. The plan, therefore, generally adopted,
was to boil the billy for tea, then, after tea, leave, and go on a
little distance in the dark, and turn off the road or track into the
silent bush, and roll up in your blankets; thus you avoided unpleasant
company. I got through in about seven days. I passed through the famous
"Woolshed Diggings," where the rich claims were, and where the men
had to wash the gold off their boots when they left work. There was a
"strike" on just then. The claim-holders wanted to reduce the wages to
£1 per day. I was interviewed, and offered work at that price, but,
of course, I refused, as I was on my way to join my wife's brothers.
I then went on through Beechworth--Spring Creek diggings. The scenes
on the diggings were strange and novel to me. Beechworth was the chief
centre of the mining district, and the other diggings around were named
by the distance from Beechworth, thus--"The One Mile," "The Three
Mile," and "The Nine Mile." This last was my destination. It was also
called "Snake Valley," from the winding course of the creek. It was
late in the evening when I arrived, quite dark and pouring rain, and
there had been a long rain before, so that the roads in the township
were wretched. At the crossings of the creek it was impassable, and
was only indicated by side logs, on which I had to crawl. The worst
of it was, I had to wander up and down the creek to find my brothers'
hut. The storekeepers knew them by sight, but could not say where they
lived. I was directed to a large restaurant, about a mile down the
creek. There were about 40 diggers, just at tea. I walked up and down
between the tables, and I think they were the finest, strongest, and
roughest set of men I ever saw. I did not see my brothers, though. Came
back, enquired at the police camp, also to no purpose. Over the creek
again, when at last I found a butcher who pointed out on the bank, on
the other side of the creek, the light shining through the calico top
of their hut. He lent me a piece of candle to cross the creek with, and
I managed to work my way among the holes and sludge, etc., to the other
side. And glad I was to get there, and I was as "wet as a rat," and
pretty well tired out. I soon got "a shift" however, and such a fire as
they had I never saw before; enough to roast a bullock; at which also I
got a good roasting; and after a good supper of beef, damper and tea,
soon felt all right. This for my first tramp in Australia.
Ten Years on the Diggings.
I joined my brothers in their claim, and we had two other mates, making
a party of five. We were driving out wash-dirt, and sluicing it in long
boxes with the creek water. We did fairly well--made from £6 to £7
per week for each man. This year (1856) was an exceedingly wet one,
particularly in the winter and early spring. This drove the miners, out
of shallow sinking, and the great "Woolshed Diggings" (Read's Creek)
were flooded out, and thousands rushed the shallow sluicing ground of
the Nine-mile Creek; in consequence, there was great trouble about
water, and "water rights," which caused endless litigation. The creek
could not supply half the water required; therefore, all the hills
for miles round were tunneled for water, and an astonishing number
of springs were opened. These were recognised by the Mining Warden
as independent--independent of the creek--and a permit given for the
sole use of the same. Many of these cost hundreds of pounds to cut. It
was also called "created water;" that is, water before locked up in
the hills, and not feeding the creek. The creek water was available
to all, but this would not command one-thousandth part of the mining
ground. Our party, therefore, looked about for indications of springs,
by sinking trial shafts, and then driving tunnels. We were fortunate
in tapping water. This we conducted to dams, and used for sluicing
purposes in shallow ground, from 3ft. to 10ft. deep, washing away the
whole of it.
I could not rest long with my family remaining in Melbourne, as some
of the children had colonial fever; a very distressing complaint, but
not very fatal. Most "new chums" had it at that time, but I don't hear
anything of it now. Therefore, I tramped down to Melbourne and back
twice during the first year to see them; the last time to bring them
up; so that during my first year in Australia I walked about 1000
miles. The last time I was over two months in Melbourne, as our eighth
child was near at hand, and I thought it my duty to be with them. I
filled up my time in Melbourne decorating the new Legislative Chambers,
just then finished. My wages were just about the same as what I was
getting in the claim, viz., £6 to £7 per week--good wages too; but not
high for that class of work. Masons at that time got over £1 per day.
I then started with the wife and family in the arduous duty of taking
them 200 miles through the bush in an American waggon. We were 20
days on the road. It is now done in about six hours per rail. We had
a fearful time on "Pretty Sally's Hill" (before mentioned); it blew
a gale with heavy rain. It would have blown our tent clean away had
I not "turned out" and cut saplings down and logged it all round. We
pitched our tent every night, and had a long picnicing all the way. We
could only procure milk at one place (Benalla) the whole 200 miles. We
went per coach from Beechworth to the Nine Mile; had to place all the
children in the bottom to prevent them being pitched out, the roads
being so rough, and hills all the way. Glad, indeed, were we (dear
wife, in particular, with baby) to arrive at our digger's home. I had
previously erected the sides and skeleton of our future residence,
and had only to put the calico top on, and stretch the fly roof.
The sides were made of split slabs, the plates and rafters trimmed
saplings, so that it took us, with the assistance of our mates, only
a few hours to get it ready for occupying. It was very cold up there
in the winter. I think the altitude is over 3000 feet. I often had to
"turn out" in the night to shake the snow off the fly roof. We managed
to keep nice and warm, though, with the huge logs on the fire--the
fire-place almost as wide as the hut. It took two men to roll some of
the back-logs in, and the fire was kept burning all night. In a few
years we put up a better residence. Sawn timber for the frame, shingle
top and a verandah; and we started a good garden from the very first,
and were the first to introduce fruit trees in the district. Mine was
the second formed garden on the Creek, and out of which we made many a
pound in vegetables--sold cabbages at sixpence per pound. Had splendid
flowers also. I likewise introduced the watercress, and had a sale for
them even in Beechworth. They grew to perfection with our spring water
running over the beds. The boys carried them round among the miners,
and they were greatly appreciated. This was long before the Chinamen
thought of gardening (which they monopolize now), and there were about
4000 of them then on the Nine Mile.
I will not dwell long on our life on the diggings. I was not a "lucky
digger," with the exception of one little patch (which see particulars
further on). We lived, however, a comfortable, happy, healthy, and a
very independent life, and brought up a large family--they now had
increased to eleven, seven boys and four girls. This ten years on the
diggings was, by far, the longest rest down, up to then, of our married
life. For instance, of our seven children born in England, not two
were born in one house; here, in our digger's home, we had three in
addition, one being also born in Melbourne. It will be imagined that
by this time I had worn off all my "smooth-handedness." Yes, indeed, I
had become a "horny-handed" working man, and considered it no disgrace
either.
"Who will hang his head in blushes
For the stains to toiling due?
There is dignity in labor,
If the laborer be true."
I worked like a navvy for ten years, through many hardships and danger.
I had two narrow escapes in falling banks of earth--had my pick caught
each time, and buried as I was dragging it in running out of the way
of the fall. I had also, during the first year, a very narrow escape
of being buried alive, working underground when the ground was rotten
and dangerous from the continued wet, mentioned before. It happened
thus: Just before knocking-off for dinner, I had given up the wash-dirt
to the man at the windlass, and put a prop in. On resuming work after
dinner, I remarked that the prop had got "as firm as a church," and
that I did not like the appearance of things at all, as this was a sign
that the ground was giving. I also said that, as the stuff would hardly
pay for driving much further, I would sweep it out and try in another
direction from the shaft which my brother had pointed out, where he had
got a fair prospect. I had just sent up the few buckets of sweepings,
and was pointing out to the windlass-man the direction I intended
driving, when, all of a sudden, without the least warning, the sides
of the shaft commenced cracking; large masses also from the lower part
breaking off. Of course, the rope was immediately let down, and I was
hauled up, but not before a large block of earth struck me on the knee,
which lamed me for about a week. Well, in about an hour afterwards,
the whole of the ground, for about half an acre, sunk bodily down. The
ground was completely honeycombed with drives. I was thankful I put
that prop in before dinner, as it gave the indication of danger.
As the mines are not now very interesting or attractive to intended
emigrants, it is not necessary to enlarge further. It will be
sufficient to say that when we broke up our partnership, my wife's
brothers, being single men, had saved, I think, about £400 each, but
I only had my share of the water right, which we also sold. My share
was about £60. The whole of my earnings, therefore, had gone to bring
up my large family. My money was invested in them, to be drawn upon
some day, by God's blessing, with interest--and compound interest,
too. Neighbors used to think they could command and use my boys as they
liked. "No," I said, "you cannot draw upon my bank in this way; you
must remunerate them for their services."
About this time, the Government were beginning to sell the country
lands in the district. My brothers went with their savings and
purchased land some thirty miles from the diggings, and started
farming--an occupation they had been used to in the "Old Country." I
continued working on the diggings with the boys for some time longer,
sinking and driving for "a patch" I thought should exist from the
formation and dip of the ground--but failed. A short time after,
though, a party went down one of my shafts, and only drove a few feet
and struck what I had been looking for so long. I believe it was about
£90 worth. This is a very common fate on the diggings. The largest
nugget ever got in Australia was found in an old drive only two or
three inches under the bottom. The original occupiers had actually
driven over and knelt over it, but the mass of gold, being so heavy,
had sunk into the pipe-clay, below the ordinary run of wash-dirt. I
could tell of many curious incidents of the sort. After this I and the
boys worked a puddling machine; some of them were able to do a fine
day's work now. We only just made a living, though, and had to keep the
horse; feed, also, was very expensive. I can remember hay being worth
£50 per ton, and that only bush hay; of course, it was only then used
for the Government--for police and gold escort horses. By this time
(1865), these old diggings were nearly worn out.
About this time (1865) the Government passed a new Land Act, opening
the lands of the colony for free selection, and deferred payment at £1
per acre, payable in half-yearly payments of one shilling per acre,
without interest; certain improvements to be effected in residence,
fencing, clearing, cultivation, etc., enforced. Of this liberal Land
Act I thought I would avail myself. I could select up to 320 acres;
but that was beyond my means. At the next sitting of the Land Board I
selected 128 acres--the most suitable to my capital. A river-side lot.
Of this, 30 acres were river flat, not suitable for cultivation, being
subject to floods; 35 acres only were fit for cultivation, the other
portion being inferior, crab-holey, grass land. I said above, this
was most suitable to my capital. Upon selecting, I had only just cash
sufficient to pay the first deposit, as the first half-year's rent,
viz., £6 8s. Little enough, it will be said, after 10 years' hard labor
in the colony. But, remember, labor is equivalent to capital, and I was
backed with that banking account named before, viz., my seven good boys.
Commencing Farming.
Now, striking out my digger's experience, I will dwell a little. It
may be asked, Why did I put upon the title page of this "Life Sketch,"
"How £6 8s. became £8000?" Why did I not start with the 10s. I landed
with? It is this. My object in writing at all is to induce others,
under similar circumstances and conditions, to settle upon the land;
therefore, I put down £6 8s., the amount I started farming with; or it
may be seen further on that I might have put down £76 8s., but, the
other £70 was only prospective, or hardly that at the time, as will be
seen. Well, even this is no great sum, as many a laborer can earn that,
or rather, can save that sum, in a little more than a year, at present
wages; pick and shovel men getting 7s. to 8s. per day. Had I a large
sum of money saved from mining, it might have been said--"Oh! with that
amount of capital, anyone ought to succeed."
So myself and two eldest sons started to make a home on the land.
At this time I had one son, the third, aged about 16, living upon a
station with squatters, not far from where we selected. He was getting
small wages, but at the same time he was getting good experience with
cattle, &c., and his masters were gentlemen of high character, and for
whom I have the greatest respect. The two who joined me were now able
to do a good hard day's work, and they had to do it, too. So we started
at once. I left the wife and the smallest of the children (seven of
them, one other son being at a dairy some few miles off) for a time, at
the home on the diggings, and registered our claim for a few months to
prevent anyone "jumping" it.
We put up residence No. 1 on the farm, composed of two side logs, and
sheets of bark for top. We got a party to plough about an acre ready
for potatoes and vegetables, and then started into the bush, about six
miles off, to split fencing stuff; living under a few sheets of bark,
for about two months. While there, I wrote a letter to my good mother
in dear old England, and just in fun, headed it, "Splitters' Hall."
This was taken in earnest, and I received a letter in due course,
addressed to "Splitters' Hall." This gave us much amusement. Having got
our stuff split, a difficulty arose. How to get it out of the bush! We
must either give our labor to some farmer for a time for fetching it
out for us, or return to the claim, and try for a few pounds, as we
only had one old horse we used in the puddling machine, and no dray. We
determined, therefore, to go and wash a few machines of stuff on the
claim. I took one of the boys with me, and, to our agreeable surprise
and astonishment, we washed out £70 worth of gold (alluded to before
at page 18) in one week. The only "patch" we ever got, and for which
I trust we were thankful enough; and grand indeed did it look as we
washed it off, and it followed the sluicing fork in the clean water in
washing down the boxes. But it was only just a "patch," and ran out the
next day. We call it our "Providential patch." On coming from the bank,
where I sold it, my pocket felt nicer than I ever recollected (except
upon one other occasion), and we all felt quite jubilant!
This other occasion I will insert here, although it should have been
in the sketch of my "Artist Experience." This is an occasion which I
shall always remember with pleasure and gratitude to the individual
who interested himself so kindly in my interest. I went into Norfolk
professionally, portrait painting, drawn on this occasion in that
direction by the attractions of a certain individual whose acquaintance
I had formed in London. The Bishop of London, who was always my friend,
and always kindly gave me letters of introduction, gave me one to the
Bishop of Norwich (Bishop Stanley), the father of the late honoured
Dean Stanley, of Westminster. He kindly introduced me to the Mayor
of Norwich, Mr. Freeman, as the best way to introduce my profession.
The first portrait I painted there was the Mayor's, in his robes of
office. He also kindly took charge of some paintings of fancy subjects
I took with me, to show to his friends. After painting for some time
in various parts of the country, in the meantime I got married, and
this act, I suppose, under the circumstances, would be considered (and
what is generally called) "improvident" and "imprudent," as I had no
settled home of my own. It then became imperative that I got one. My
wife's home was about 22 miles from Norwich, and, as I always was a
great pedestrian, which I have mentioned before, I started off one fine
morning early to Norwich, to see my good friend, the Mayor, and inform
him of my position, and see what could be done with the paintings he
had charge of. We were dining together when I broached the subject. He
said my pictures had been much admired, and he thought several of his
fellow citizens would like to purchase them. He at once then, at the
table, wrote a note stating my intention of leaving for London, and
would they make me an offer for one or more of my pictures. An answer
was soon back, but the answer and offer was not satisfactory to him.
"No," he said, "he shan't have it for that;" sent a note to another,
and thus this novel auction went on until he got rid of several of my
pictures, and, as the term is, "at satisfactory prices," and before
the evening I had the money in my pocket (between £66 and £70), and,
indeed, it felt warm, as my heart also did, with gratitude. On starting
back _the same evening_, how I "lift my feet!" Like Jacob of old, after
his dream and receiving the blessing. (Read from Gen. 10th v. xxviii
ch. to 1st v. xxix ch.). It says--"_He went on his journey_;" but the
Heb. in the margin is far more expressive to one who has gone through
a somewhat similar experience. It there says--"_He lift up his feet_."
Light of heart, light of heel. I well remember the son of the Mayor, a
fine young fellow, about my own age, accompanying me for a few miles
on my journey back, conversing by the way (as christians love to do)
of God's good providence and love; and who knows but what there was
a third person in _spirit_ with us, as He was in _person_ with the
"two disciples on the road that evening journeying to Emmaus?" But
it could not be said of us that "we were sad," as they were. They
were sad because the "Comforter" had not then come, but we were in
full enjoyment of that "Comforter." And they, also, when the Saviour
revealed Himself, had "burning hearts of love;" and did not our hearts
burn with love also? On our parting, with a good-bye and a hearty
and friendly grip, I shall never forget his kindly words. They were
these--"_Remember how sweet is the day of prosperity to those who have
tasted adversity's cup_." And thus we parted on that memorable day and
evening on the Norwich high road.
I hardly felt the remainder of my long walk. It was rather late in the
evening (or rather night) when I reached home, and, upon entering,
threw the proceeds of my trip into my young wife's lap. Our feelings
may be imagined.
We then went up to London and furnished our first home at Clapham, as
narrated in the sketch of "My Artist's Life." It will be seen that this
transpired before my health broke down from over study.
But to resume. With this £70 from the claim we purchased a good draught
horse, new dray, etc., so that we were enabled to cart our fencing
stuff, and felt quite like getting on. After erecting the fence around
a good part of the allotment, we commenced clearing the land, as there
was a good bit of timber on. Grubbing trees, chopping up, and burning
off, occupied us during the winter. We found hut No. 1 rather cold some
nights, as our fire was outside. I often took my blankets and slept
outside by the large fires, where the large logs were being burned off;
these, also, required "rounding up" during the night. We got about 12
acres cleared, ploughed, and sown with wheat and oats by the month
of June. We started then with the orchard and garden, planted about
50 fruit trees of various sorts, and put in a few vines. This should
always be done as soon as possible, but very few do it. We considered
now we had got fairly started. Thus: A good deal of the fencing done,
12 acres cleared and under crop, orchard and garden dug and planted,
one good horse and dray, also old puddling horse, being light, was
useful for riding, etc.; three cows, with calves, from the station; out
of my son's wages--2 pigs in the sty, and a few dozen fowls. Therefore
we began thinking of shifting the family down. I sold our claim for a
few pounds, and as our house on the diggings was still good, we shifted
the materials down, and erected farm residence No. 2. This put us up
till nearly our first harvest time. Thus we were all together again,
except the son at the station, but he was only a few miles off. Our
youngest child at this time--a boy--was 2 years old. We did not leave
the digging's home, though, without some regrets. God having blessed
us with many peaceful years of comfort and independence, and, although
we had not saved much money, it did not interfere with our happiness;
and the hills were very healthy, abounding in crystal springs, as will
be supposed, for during the 10 years' residence I had no occasion to
consult a medical man. It was a great blessing with 11 young children.
I had, however, made it a duty to study medicine to some extent,
which is necessary in a colony like this, and, particularly in those
early days. Up to this time all our furniture had been home-made bush
furniture, with the exception of one sofa-bedstead, and one American
rocking chair, but then it matched with the bush residences. I now made
a new set of furniture for our farm-house.
I have now to record a great sorrow which befell us. We had not all
been together on the farm many weeks, when we lost our fifth son,
by drowning. He was a fine lad of 15 years. It happened in this way.
He was out with the gun, keeping the cockatoos off the crops, but
seeing some ducks in a lagoon near the river, he shot one of them, and
stripped and swam in to secure it. He was a fine swimmer. He, however,
did not, in his hurry, take the precaution to keep his cap on, as
he always did when bathing, and, it being an exceedingly hot day, I
believe he got sunstruck, as his younger brother, who was with him,
said he laid upon the top of the water some time. There were several
parties sunstruck on that day. He was a good boy, and had that morning,
as usual, with his brothers and sisters, said their prayers, and sang
together their little hymn--
"Come to this happy land,
Why will you doubting stand?"
There is one there awaiting us "beyond the river."
Myself and boys kept grubbing and clearing, and got in four acres of
maize by harvest time. Two of them then went to assist their uncles at
harvest; they resided about six miles from us. They coming, in return,
to help us. So our first harvest-home in Victoria was completed. "The
wilderness was, indeed, blossoming as the rose," and we felt proud
at being permitted to fulfil the Heavenly behest of "subduing and
replenishing the earth." What occupation on earth can equal that of
the husbandman, to raise man's mind from "Nature to Nature's God";
that is, to a properly-regulated mind. To see the beautiful order of
all Creation. The unerring instinct of animals. The song and wonderful
plumage of birds, so very beautiful in Australia. The sweet hum of the
busy bee fructifying the beautiful flowers, and modelling their cells
so wonderfully and as unerringly as in the garden of Eden. Man, in his
regenerate state, standing thus amid these surroundings, and leaning
upon the merits of his Saviour alone, to atone for the sin of the first
Adam, and with his face and aspirations raised heavenward, must feel
that Paradise is, in a measure, restored even in this world. He has, at
least, a foretaste of the Paradise above.
Unregenerate man alone appears the only contradictory element and
anomaly in the universe.
Increasing our Holdings.
We selected 115 acres more land the next year, and 95 the year after.
All spare time, the two eldest sons went out fencing, etc., for other
settlers, but, in a few years, we had plenty of work at home, and
our son from the station joined us; the other sons, as well, growing
up strong and useful. My wife and daughters also busy attending to
housework, dairying, etc., which now had increased considerably by
natural increase and further purchases. Horse stock also increased in
the same way. Thus we have gone on year after year, all working for one
common object and mutual welfare, and which we have now continued to do
for nearly 25 years on the farm up to this time, 1891. Two of my sons
have selected other allotments, and we have purchased two "drunk out"
farms from the mortgagees. We also, in 1884, purchased a very eligible
block of land. We had to pay dearly for it, though. It contained about
400 acres of good tillage land--good for this district, where land is
not first-class, like many parts of Victoria. For this, we gave £8 per
acre, and for 636 acres of grass land adjoining, £4 per acre, costing
altogether over £6000. This we had to get partly upon loan. With our
own great strength, now of six grown-up sons, and plenty of horse
strength besides, we have reaped in produce and stock from the same
land, quite two-thirds of the amount, and expect in a few more years'
crops to clear it, so that it was a good investment, but there has been
very heavy labor attached to it.
Although we have a large quantity of the finest land in the district
suitable for Hop-growing, we have scrupulously and conscientiously
refrained from growing the same; considering it would be most
inconsistent with our principles to have anything whatever, directly or
indirectly, to do with any product that contributed to the production
of that substance that has been the greatest curse to the world; also
putting some of the best land to a base use, instead of using it for
the benefit of mankind. The Hop is different altogether from the Grape,
or Barley, as they are in themselves a blessing, and of eminent use to
man, properly and rationally used.
The Consummation.
About six years since we erected on the "Home Farm"--our first
selection--Residence No. 3, a superior brick house, which cost about
£500, and very desirable now and appreciated, as wife and I are growing
old--self, 74; wife, a few years younger. The bush furniture has given
place to as good a suite of furniture as anyone could wish for in
sitting, bedrooms, etc., also a superior organ, with which to praise
and glorify the good God who has blessed and prospered us. I have,
besides, taken the brush in hand again to adorn the walls, and leave
some of my handiwork behind me for the children. In fact, for the last
eight years I have done a few paintings, sold a few landscapes, and
exhibited them at various places in the colonies; also sent a large
one to the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London, for which I got a
certificate and medal. Heavy, laborious work, of course, begins to tell
upon me now if long continued, so that this "soft-handed" work is a
relaxation. My department now in the firm is principally in the garden
and orchard, of which we have now a large one, both fancy and useful.
We have also an orangery recently planted, have also a good many old
trees, which bear wonderfully well. We irrigate with a horse-pump.
We are all still working together in partnership, as it has always been
my policy to give my sons a direct interest in all our undertakings and
property, and this is only right and just, as to them mainly, under
God's blessing, I must attribute our success; anyhow, the labor portion
has largely devolved upon them.
We stand now (1891), after 25 years on the farms, thus:--
Amount of Land, 2,523 acres
At a fair valuation, free £6,150
Stock, cattle, horses, etc. 1,500
Plants, Machinery, etc. 550
------
£8,200
Thus I have shown, as I promised, how £6 8s., or, if you like, £76 8s.,
has increased to £8,000.